FEMA will begin flood damage review Tuesday

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar told Minnesotans dealing with flood damage Sunday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will begin to assess that damage on Tuesday, to start the process of getting federal disaster assistance, the Star Tribune reports.

Klobuchar visited flooded areas in the region Sunday, including Harriet Island in downtown St. Paul which has been inundated by the Mississippi River. Klobuchar said it will take about a week for FEMA to complete its assessment.

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"We have faith they will move quickly on this assessment," Klobuchar said, according to FOX 9. "It's never quick enough when you have a community you can't get through on a road."

The damage to public infrastructure must total at least $7.3 million before a presidential disaster declaration can be issued. For counties to qualify, they must have damage that totals $3.50 per capita.

“I told the governor that we will be there as we get some clarity about the damage and what needs to be done,” Obama said, the Associated Press reported.

Klobuchar added that she spoke to the president about the need for help across the state.

"I think we were fortunate that he was able to come for two days, was able to see the water rushing over Minnehaha Falls," Klobuchar said. "He personally commented to me about that. I think he knows how extensive this damage is."

Minnesota leaders have said for weeks that they planned to seek federal aid when damage estimate tallies were completed. Early estimates were in the millions of dollars, and the federal money could be used to help restore public assets, such as roads, water treatment plants and government buildings, as well as some emergency response costs, the Star Tribune reported.

Communities are still cleaning up after recent flooding and in some areas flood waters aren't expected to recede for weeks.

FEMA officials were on Minnesota's North Shore Wednesday to assess the damage caused by last week's Knife River flooding, which is estimated to be between $1 million to $2 million. FEMA is expected to tour flood damage Thursday in Duluth, as well as affected areas in greater St. Louis and Carlton Counties.

One of the state officials who accompanied federal inspectors on their tour of flood damage says Minnesota will have no trouble passing the $7.1 million threshold to qualify for aid from FEMA. A state Senator from Duluth says the feds typically cover about three-fourths of the cost of repairs to infrastructure, with state and local governments paying the rest.